"There's a huge amount to be learned" - how the pioneering years of gaming are being preserved for a new generation in a corner of south London

The Archive of Retro Computing (ARC) in south London offers a unique glimpse into the pioneering years of gaming and personal computing. Located at Kingston University, this hidden gem is home to over 65 retro computers and gaming consoles from the mid-70s to the more recent PlayStation 1 and original Xbox consoles.

Paul Neve, the course leader for undergraduate computer science at Kingston University and creator of ARC, is passionate about preserving this history. His collection includes some familiar names like Atari 2600, Sinclair Spectrums, and Commodore 64s, as well as lesser-known machines such as ZX81, Atari ST, and Vectrex. He fondly recalls his first video game, Manic Miner, and explains that his love for these machines stems from his childhood in the golden age of computing.

Arc's first show in 2004 proved to be a success, leading to its current exhibition at the university. The collection offers a diverse range of machines that represent various aspects of the industry's history, from the Battle of Britain's impact on the Sinclair and Acorn story to the often-overlooked fireflies that existed for only a few months but were still significant players in the market.

Beyond preserving the machines themselves, ARC aims to tell the stories of the individuals behind them. This includes the rivalry between Clive Sinclair and Chris Curry, which played a crucial role in shaping the industry. ARC's third annual showcase event is currently ongoing at Kingston University's Town House, inviting visitors to not only have fun but also learn about the fascinating history of these machines and the people who created them.